Ngaire, I hope you get some white salmon -- it's rare, but extremely delicious (kind of tastes like ice cream if you can imagine that). Sounds like you're having a great trip -- glad the weather is so good.

In Sitka today. The boys had no luck at all with their salmon fishing, but Helen and I saw lots of otters, seals, Eagles, and bears on our tour. And we placed 3 red in trivia, with markedly more difficult questions.

White salmon now onboard and we are really looking forward to having the chance to taste white salmon. When you think how much they had to buy and how rare it is I am surprised we are getting this experience. We have eaten so much salmon on the trip I love it. Always better in Alaska.

Sitka was very foggy In the morning but cleared up nicely by mid day. Such a pretty town and we did the sea otter quest as well. Nice out on the water such stunning scenery.

Prince Rupert today. Reading the normal weather for this port I was not expecting the bright sunshine we have had so far. But we may be lucky again and I would settle happily for no rain. Today it is overcast but the sea is pretty calm so not much wind. We will see what develops as the day progresses.

A bunch are going to play golf and we do not dock until 1.00 pm so I hope the overcast sky is as bad as it gets.

Hubbard Glacier:


Our Gold, Platinum,Titanium Event.








Joan, Dave, Ngaire, & Ken.

Hoonah, Alaska:


Our tour called - Alaska's Wildest Kitchen. Filleting a Halibut.














The new dock for cruise ships, we were the 3rd ship to dock here this season.

Just back from Prince Rupert. There was no rain, a bit chilly and about 55 degrees. Light wind and a few patches of blue between the primarily overcast sky.
The locals were saying it was a good day, guess it depends on what you have weather wise each day.

We did not book a tour so we were on our own. A local showed us the museum that we could see from the dock and told us to walk back to do the circuit of shops and restaurants.

The museum was small and nicely done with the history of Prince Rupert and the native people. When we left museum we saw the free shuttle bus that has three stops. The ship, the museum and downtown. So we hopped on so we could see more of the town. Not much here but it is quaint.

Then we walked back via the shops and restaurants. We found a delightful coffee shop I know many of you, some in particular, would really like. Cute on the outside and inside a line of locals line lining up to order. The baked goods were definitely fresh and home made. No fancy pastries here just baked goods like our mothers made. Walls were covers with postcards and old antique items. Great atmosphere.

All in all we had a very relaxing afternoon and a nice walk.

Tonight Prime 7 and tomorrow a sea day. This trip will soon be over and our next trip is Africa so we will not be back on Regent until the Explorer in September. So I Think I will indulge tonight.

Sitka, Alaska:






Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano named by Captain James Cook in 1778.


Sea Otter.






George catches a Rockfish.

Prince Rupert, Canada:


B&B.




Cowpuccino's.




Joan shoots a Hole in One at the Prince Rupert Golf Course. CONGRATULATIONS!!


Jerry & Kathy sing together at Kareoke night in Stars Lounge.

Joan, congratulations!!!

Did you buy everyone at the club a drink or wait until you got back onboard?

Marc,

Joan was in a generous mood so she bought a drink for the entire ship.

Sitting in Vancouver airport so sad to end this trip. Kind of a blessed event with the spectacular weather. Victoria welcomed us with brilliant sun shine. We did an overview of the city in the morning and had a great guide.

Returned to the ship for my last lunch onboard. Going to miss my routine of fresh Alaskan salmon, asparagus and carrots each day. Do not need variety find something I love I stick with it.

I searched the Internet for the best "Devonshire tea" in Victoria. This fresh warm scones with raspberry jam and fresh or clotted cream. Most scones on ships and in the USA are nothing like the English, NZ, or Aussie scones. I miss them and when I am in England, NZ or Australia I seek them out whenever I can. I found a place with rave reviews called Murchies right in the Downtown area.

So we hopped on the free shuttle to town and Jerry and Helen were on the same shuttle. So they joined us on our visit to Murchies. I was delighted with my scone. I selected the black currant scone (also something you do not see and very English) got an extra helping of fresh cream and was in a complete state of joy!

Everyone got something different and it was all REALLY good. Their sandwiches looked great too. Big place with lots of seating and an adjacent tea and coffee shop with lots of English by ne China cups and mugs. I bought a set of mugs a little bigger than normal and went back to the ship a very happy camper.

Arriving back just in time for trivia where we came in second.

Been a great trip, amazingly calm sea, lots of sunshine and no rain. Some great excursions, good company and met some very nice KLT clients I had never met before.

Sad for it to end but looking forward to Giraffe safari our next trip.

Ngaire, I think weather makes the greatest difference of all to make any cruise perfect, and it is up to what luck delivers, especially in Alaska. I've been there 4 times now, weather mostly good in June, July, August and early September as I remember. I always want to go back, could do it again and again. Happy you had NO rain!


And I'm glad you found some good scones suitable to a Kiwi!

Looking at the fabulous pictures again and realized that (maybe I missed it) don't remember who's names were drawn to go in the "free cruise" hopper ??

Marcie, it was ME!!!! Jerry and I actually were out late on an excursion when the name was drawn so missed the actual moment but we were still pretty happy when we finally arrived ( as everyone else was leaving ) and were told that our names were drawn and we are in the running.
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Helen

Woo Hoo Helen....that's great !